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Should NY & NJ mandate generators for gasoline stations?

GasBuddy Blog -- Two weeks after Hurricane Sandy the NY/NJ metro area continues to struggle with fuel supplies. Last week gasoline in New York's metro area, for the first time ever cost more than gasoline in Anchorage, Alaska.

Closer examination of the problems and the response by the major oil companies revealed that Big Oil's company-owned gas stations fared far better than the ExxonMobil, BP, Shell and other branded gas stations operated by franchisees.

According to Reuters, a handful of medium-sized regional chains like Hess Corp, Wawa Inc and Sunoco performed far better, with as many as three-quarters of their stations operating, using back-up generators to dispense fuel to motorists, homeowners and utility crews.

It...

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Submitted Nov 15, 2012 By: PD

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MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:7,546 Points:1,171,835 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2012 1:46:37 AM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse No, the gas lines are gone, and global warming is (perhaps) a myth prompted by money hungry people. To mandate that all gas stations have a generator is insane. It is time to bring sanity back to energy, gas prices, and more.
danmckdude Rookie Author Detroit Posts:43 Points:188,365 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 10:56:53 AM Ignore danmckdude Report Abuse yes to generators
sweething545 Rookie Author Baton Rouge Posts:24 Points:33,445 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2012 5:47:43 PM Ignore sweething545 Report Abuse You can say that Again, people do need I. Time of. Need
boldrph Champion Author Topeka Posts:18,371 Points:3,450,665 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 12:45:57 PM Ignore boldrph Report Abuse maybe there's a market for a hand cranked pump? we did this with water once upon a time.
fuzzyscout Rookie Author Virginia Posts:68 Points:312,825 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 4:07:23 PM Ignore fuzzyscout Report Abuse When automobiles were new to this country the government did not mandate that gasoline be stockpiled across the country. As demand grew, entrepreneurs opened businesses to supply the demand. If the cost of emergency generators would pay today's businessman (and it does some) they would install that capability. If you want everyone be served in an emergency, mandate that everyone with a car keep q00 gallons of gasoline in storage; everyone with electric lights keep a month's supply of batteries, and two week's worth of food, and --- or we could let individuals figure out what is best for themselves, and the ones who are too shortsighted, or stupid, to do so, suffer the consequences. I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents. - James Madison of Virginia, Father of the Constitution.
wshutton Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,662 Points:923,970 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 3:56:29 PM Ignore wshutton Report Abuse Not generators, but all stations countrywide should be required to have at least a generator plug in connection. FEMA should stock generators to be moved and used when and where disasters occur. These actions minimize capital cost to the station operators while providing more emergency service where and when it is needed across the country. And it maximizes FEMA's effectiveness in providing assistance in such emergencies.
garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:379,165 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 9:53:07 AM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse just do it
medic6133 Champion Author New York Posts:1,120 Points:215,515 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 9:12:20 AM Ignore medic6133 Report Abuse If I owned a station and was able to weather a storm better than my competitors who didn't have one -- and could increase price during scarcity -- it would more than compensate for the initial investment in the generator.
Under_Score Rookie Author Los Angeles Posts:34 Points:7,160 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Nov 19, 2012 12:57:10 AM Ignore Under_Score Report Abuse If the gas stations want to make money they should invest in a generator.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,610 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Nov 18, 2012 7:30:58 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse may need to mandate, b/c obvious station owners don't really feel the need to make this rather small equipment purchase so they can continue to operate after a storm.
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,819 Points:501,635 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Nov 17, 2012 4:36:08 PM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse A generator is a small expense. They should be built into EVERY gas station.
captcarl5 Veteran Author Pennsylvania Posts:401 Points:174,155 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Nov 17, 2012 10:57:49 AM Ignore captcarl5 Report Abuse we'll get hit somehow in the pocket whether higher fuel taxes or by the govt fees
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:3,545 Points:747,070 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 8:23:42 AM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse stupid, stupid, stupid. The cost will be passed on to the consumer. After a day of running on the generator, gas stations will be out of fuel since they can't resupply, so their $40,000 generator is now useless.
VB_Richard Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:1,653 Points:350,845 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 7:27:22 AM Ignore VB_Richard Report Abuse Prepared means higher cost during normal operations but pays back during disasters.
PA_VDub_Nut Champion Author Reading Posts:8,856 Points:1,760,985 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 7:22:33 AM Ignore PA_VDub_Nut Report Abuse Most businesses and hospitals that I have seen that use Generators also use Uninterruptable Power Supplies and Power Filtering systems to protect critical systems and insure power flow. Testing generators and these systems is not as complicated or disruptive as some may think. These systems are also MUCH more expensive than most people realize. Also, machinery with motors like gas pumps or refrigeration units consume a LOT of electricity which would require a much larger generator and associated equipment. Personally I do not think a mandate is the answer nor is expecting power companies to restore power quickly. The power grid in most parts of the USA is VERY, VERY OLD and in need of updating. No one wants to pay more for power so power companies are not going to invest in new equipment or bury their power lines underground. One possible solution for gas stations might be the use of solar power to run their operations when utility power goes off. Most gas stations have decent sized stores and roofs over their pumps where solar panels could be mounted. If solar panels could supply enough power to run the pumps and some other business critical equipment this might be an answer. While a solar solution would not be cheap it would be used 24x7x365 to reduce the cost of electricity to the station and not just be an emergency backup rarely used. If I am not mistaken there are currently tax write-offs available as well to help pay for this technology. Another possible solution to this power outage problem would be the use of mobile generators. Given the cost of installing and maintaining generators at individual stations why not use mobile generators that simply come to a station without out power, plug in and supply power. The cost of these mobile generators could be spread out among those station owners by some sort of monthly subscription fee. Those who subscribe use the service those that do not are closed and potentially go out of business. Bottom line is, there are possible solutions to this situation that do not involve mandates. If a business does not have a business continuity plan they have no one to blame but themselves. They also should not cry the blues or blame another business or the government when their lack of planning results in the failure and closing of their business.
Jeffro61 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:2,267 Points:2,284,895 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:22:27 AM Ignore Jeffro61 Report Abuse No more laws.
slgas Champion Author Houston Posts:6,025 Points:1,561,565 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:16:11 AM Ignore slgas Report Abuse If deemed wise, it needs to include all disaster-prone states.
yardslave Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,549 Points:595,830 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:12:42 AM Ignore yardslave Report Abuse Repost
oas Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,225 Points:2,140,440 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:06:11 AM Ignore oas Report Abuse Old news.
Hunter114 Champion Author Chicago Posts:9,081 Points:1,448,760 Joined:Apr 2009	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:05:47 AM Ignore Hunter114 Report Abuse Government shouldn't take place for common sense.
FNB1967 Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,827 Points:765,145 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:03:23 AM Ignore FNB1967 Report Abuse Interesting
REVLAW Champion Author San Antonio Posts:10,430 Points:2,006,270 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:00:58 AM Ignore REVLAW Report Abuse No. Government intrusion is not the answer. Private enterprise should find a generator backup for the stations a reasonable approach to a foreseeable need without needing to comply with more bureacratic "red tape". Get the government to hell out of our lives!
JSX515 Champion Author St. Louis Posts:3,709 Points:800,620 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:00:48 AM Ignore JSX515 Report Abuse old article
mberg Champion Author Houston Posts:3,802 Points:959,405 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 6:00:23 AM Ignore mberg Report Abuse This would be a huge expense for the typical operator.
Ferdman17 Champion Author Albany Posts:1,283 Points:373,560 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:59:56 AM Ignore Ferdman17 Report Abuse No and it is old news
Petrock Champion Author Lexington Posts:9,118 Points:2,556,785 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:58:05 AM Ignore Petrock Report Abuse Just remember the added cost will be passed on to the consumer ... and there may not be a problem like this in NY for decades.
rjd1608 Champion Author Toledo Posts:5,356 Points:1,929,030 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:55:00 AM Ignore rjd1608 Report Abuse no
FocusST2 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:8,138 Points:1,377,950 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:54:52 AM Ignore FocusST2 Report Abuse Yawn. This is déjà vu.
ILVET Champion Author Illinois Posts:14,789 Points:2,924,640 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:54:48 AM Ignore ILVET Report Abuse Not at taxpayer expense I hope
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:13,545 Points:2,716,800 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:52:50 AM Ignore Lengas Report Abuse NO
gaspumpin Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,665 Points:387,505 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:52:38 AM Ignore gaspumpin Report Abuse No!!!!!!!!!!
Yooperheart Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,410 Points:526,050 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:52:00 AM Ignore Yooperheart Report Abuse Let the station owners make the choice. Its their business. If they want to succeed
Hop1LA Champion Author Baton Rouge Posts:3,309 Points:1,175,520 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:51:30 AM Ignore Hop1LA Report Abuse Short answer, NO.
VDubBill Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,765 Points:1,261,620 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:49:46 AM Ignore VDubBill Report Abuse Remember, a business can't operate properly without government telling it how to operate properly.
pfone1847 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,181 Points:622,605 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:49:31 AM Ignore pfone1847 Report Abuse No
Dailyrun Champion Author Kentucky Posts:1,977 Points:387,865 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:48:10 AM Ignore Dailyrun Report Abuse I don't think that they can mandate generators; but it would be good business.
Maintroll Champion Author Lexington Posts:8,629 Points:1,702,160 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:47:04 AM Ignore Maintroll Report Abuse The word mandate borders on communism, don't you think? Is there a dictator involved here somewhere by the name of Bloomberg?
gabisgram Champion Author Michigan Posts:2,191 Points:911,275 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:46:36 AM Ignore gabisgram Report Abuse No, and still old news.
stpetebp Champion Author Tampa Posts:6,217 Points:1,731,605 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:45:56 AM Ignore stpetebp Report Abuse Old news
Beau2140 Champion Author New York Posts:8,291 Points:1,656,185 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:43:59 AM Ignore Beau2140 Report Abuse No.
tarheelcoastie Champion Author Greensboro Posts:5,191 Points:1,110,180 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:40:27 AM Ignore tarheelcoastie Report Abuse Only in NYC ... but they also have a lot of other issues to tackle, like flooding.
Settjec Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,974 Points:686,770 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:39:43 AM Ignore Settjec Report Abuse Nope
neptune2008 Champion Author Michigan Posts:8,568 Points:1,668,750 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:37:18 AM Ignore neptune2008 Report Abuse heck no
tc316 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:10,781 Points:1,726,655 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:36:37 AM Ignore tc316 Report Abuse No
jetlagAK Champion Author Anchorage Posts:2,251 Points:635,675 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:36:11 AM Ignore jetlagAK Report Abuse No.
hogfan24 Champion Author Arkansas Posts:1,976 Points:501,250 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:33:24 AM Ignore hogfan24 Report Abuse Ok
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:7,120 Points:1,353,810 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:28:54 AM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse My answer to the gasoline shortage would apply here as well. Also, What good would just generators have done if the station had water contaminated fuel tanks. They would have to suction them out & return to disposal or re-refine to separate off water & dispose of contaminated waste.
SaturnSC Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,051 Points:831,725 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:27:58 AM Ignore SaturnSC Report Abuse no
bassakwards007 Champion Author Orange County Posts:1,127 Points:243,245 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:27:10 AM Ignore bassakwards007 Report Abuse Mandate? Request..Probably
Bus936 Champion Author Lexington Posts:16,439 Points:3,219,030 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Nov 16, 2012 5:23:30 AM Ignore Bus936 Report Abuse The only thing this would accomplish is to put more people to work building more generators. Another Bloomberg idea at best.